Seaton’s Tramway To Open After Covid-19 Lockdown

The Seaton’s Tramway is to re-open on April 12^th after the recent Covid-19 lockdown ends.

Seaton’s Tramway, to reopen on April 12th 2021 after Covid-19.

News has been confirmed by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his Coronavirus briefing address to the British nation.

Based in the seaside town of Seaton on the South Devon coast the tramway has been running since 1970.

Seaton Tramway 50 years since opening.

With its 50^th year last year the organisation had little chance of making the most of that special anniversary.

New points were fitted near to the road crossing.

Marketing Manager for Seaton Tramway, Josh Cashtree said: “ Our staff are keyed up to start operating again and have been back training.”

“Covid secure systems are in place and the lessons learned from the last lockdown has us in an excellent position to trade safely again.”

One of their 14 trams.

During the closure, work has been undertaken to replace sections of the track and install new points systems.

Some items of track have been in-situ for 50 years.

A practice run on the tramway.

Work is continuing at one of the halts to improve access to the wetland areas where there are extensive walkways to explore.

Plus, the Riverside Halt now has a large seating and viewing deck constructed on the bank of the River Axe.

New Halts Provide More Options On Seaton’s Tramway

Being adjacent to the tramway workshop there are always many comings and goings from the shed.  Often accompanied by ringing of bells and clanking of gongs.

With a fleet of 14 trams there is a variety to view coming from many different locations around the country.

Colyton village just a short walk from Colyton station.

The trip up the line to Colyton where you can enjoy a stroll around the village. Its Saxon street layout and its connection to the Monmouth rebellion give it some additional historical  interest.

With pubs and independent village shops and its unique church, (St Andrews’s) with an octagonal tower lantern it’s well worth checking that out too.

Colyton House in the town centre built in the Georgian style with its high walls and gate has a certain mystery to it.

The buffet at Colyton station.

The tram station complex at Colyton has an antique shop next to it and a station buffet for refreshments.

Following, this first period following the opening-up after Covid. Meals and snacks will only on be served outside on the station platform.

Seaton Tramway practice run in the cab.

Relaxed regulations in the near future it is hoped will allow dining inside again.

The main tram station in Seaton has café facilities too.

Part of the Seaton wetlands area with the walkways.

It is hoped that trams will be able to operate from both ends of the line at 15 minute intervals.

Open tickets will be available and there will be Covid secure boarding of the trams. It is recommended to pre-book online.

Recovery Grant For Tramway

Seaton Tramway has received a second grant from the UK Government.  £217,500 came from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.  This helps  organisations recover and reopen. 

Nearly £400 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country.  Including Seaton Tramway in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

Seaton Tramway, which is a registered charity, has been operating in Seaton since August 1970 and celebrated its 50^th anniversary in 2020.

Ages vary of the trams from 1904 to 2007 and include a fleet of heritage trams of which ran on the streets of London, Bournemouth and includes the last surviving tram to run on the streets of Exeter.

This funding comes at welcome time for the Tramway as it has had to endure huge losses during the Covid-19 lockdown.  Closing from 23^rd March to 4^th July, 5^th November – 2^nd December and has been permanently closed since 30^th December 2020.

Awarded  ‘We’re Good To Go’ accreditation from Visit England and the AA ‘Covid-Secure’ badge. The trams have been running at a lower capacity since 4^th July due to social distancing.

However, with the hard work of staff & volunteers, we have successfully kept the site covid secure and welcomed many delighted visitors over the brief summer season.